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IBS guide to eating out at Christmas

I know it’s only the 1st of November and that it might seem a bit early for this post.  However Christmas work's night outs are usually booked well in advance.  Along with all the other events that occur during the festive season.

Eating out is a mine field if you have IBS or any food intolerance, the best advice I can give is....

PLAN AHEAD

EATING OUT


- Check out the Restaurant website and pick what you’re going to eat, before you book your meal if possible.  If not look to see if any of these dishes are suitable for your specific diet.

- The majority of restaurants can be contacted by e-mail or phone, if they don't have a website.  Ask them for advice.  They may have some dishes they can adapt for your diet.

- Tell your server when they come to take your order.  Never assume they already know especially if you have called ahead. 




DRINKING OUT

I was a member of the Campaign for real ale, so I know how hard it is to go out socialising without having a drink.  I didn’t realise I had a yeast intolerance, only that beer did not agree with my tummy.  For a few years I was okay drinking wine, but only when having a meal.  A year ago I gave it up totally.  The pain it causes just isn't worth the trouble anymore.   

-  Alcohol, yeast, artificial sweetener and sugar are all know IBS triggers.  Making the morning after a Christmas night out a lot worse for people who have IBS.  Try to space out your drinks, making ever second one non-alcoholic. 

- Stick to the same drink, don't mix.  Also stick to the one that causes you the least pain the next day.

- Only drink with your meal, the food (as long as you’re not intolerant to it) will help. 

- Choose to not drink, be up front and say Alcohol is a trigger.  (Anything to do with internal plumbing usually stops people trying to get you to get drunk with them)

- Offer to be designated driver, or say you’re driving.

ALTERNATIVE NIGHT OUTS

- I don't really enjoy group night outs any more. Being around drunks is only fun when your drunk yourself, lol.    Instead of going out for the usual meal and a drink why not do something else that’s festive.

- Go see the latest blockbuster movie
- Get seats to the local panto
- Go to a Christmas concert
- Take a trip to your nearest Christmas Market


Plan ahead and make the festive season less stressful for you and your stomach xxx

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